Do These Things

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Ephesians Chapter Four

Do These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

There is a command of diligence while fulfilling of our Christian duty, From them arises a wise forecast as well as due concern; but there is a wrong response to fear and distrust, which is sin and folly, and only perplexes and distracts the mind away from good. As a remedy against perplexing care, constant prayer is recommended. Not only set times for prayer, but in every thing always in prayer. Pray with thanksgiving and praise unto God. God does not need to be told of our wants or desires; he knows them better than we do; but he will have us show that we value the mercy, and feel our dependence on Him. The peace of God, the comfortable sense of being reconciled to God, and having a part in his favor, and the hope of the heavenly blessedness, are a greater good than can be fully expressed nor here described or spoken. Focus only on those things listed above. We have seen, heard and learned, from Apostle Paul, the proper state of mind to maintain if we are to be free of worldly suppression. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning under troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us calm and with inward satisfaction. Believers are to keep the good name given them at the second birth; a name for good things with God and with good men. We should walk in all the ways of virtue, and abide therein; then, whether our praise is of men or not, it will be of God. The way to have the God of peace close with us, is to keep close to our Christian duty. The enjoyment of them depends upon our sincere and holy conduct. These are works pertaining to God, and to him only are they to be ascribed, and to no other, neither men, words, nor deeds. Talk to God concerning spiritual things: Let us pray for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have a spiritual joining of minds with God. And in meekness not to lose our comfort in God, nor distrust his providence, nor take any wrong course for our own profit. If we reach a state not to be proud, or secure, or worldly. This is a harder lesson than the other; for the temptations of foulness and prosperity are more than those of affliction and want. The apostle encourages such kindness as will meet a glorious reward hereafter. Through Christ we have grace to do what is good, and through him we must expect the reward; and as we have all things by him, let us do all things for him, and to his glory. Know God, know peace. Amen 11-25-2019 BLL

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